Aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow

ABSTRACT

An aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow is introduced for both leisure relaxation and sleep retirement at night. This pillow apparatus is quite different from the conventional pillow in that it provides a user with a great variety of aromatic scents that can be mechanically diffused throughout the interior of the pillow. The pillow&#39;s timing apparatus accoutrement is wound up for the effect of compressing air which would then permeate the pillow providing a specific, user-selected, essential oils scent. Such scent is controllably infused into a porous effusion medium whereby aromatic air may be distributed throughout the pillow to be a source of a buoyant emotional experience for the user. This process, according to aromatherapy theory, is emotionally rewarding as it enhances one&#39;s mood, or even one&#39;s metabolism, for better health.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application references prior provisional No. 61/599,928 Filing Date: Feb. 16, 2012 for date of priority.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bed and leisure reclining pillows but more specifically to a pillow that can effuse aromatic scents of essential oils, which may be used as a commercial product for personal enhancement of both mood and metabolism.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

Pillows are generally of various sizes, shapes, degrees of softness, and design; primarily, they serve as conventional components of the dressings of beds as they generally provide a means for comfort in bed during times of retirement at night and at any other times for leisure. However, the present innovation provides a pillow with an additional benefit for comfort and retirement.

In the consumer market of aromatherapy, an extensive list of various aromatic scents is tied to a supposed evocation of a wide range of emotionally pleasurable mental experiences that a user would desire to bring to mind. According to aromatherapy practitioners, upon partaking of the essential oil scents of plant extracts, such experiences would return a user to either a remembered earlier period in one's life changing his or her mood or to a generally more elated and even exhilarating moment. This being the case, according to some research, the aromatic scents are therapeutic if used over a period of time. It is to this (aromatherapy) connection that the present invention is herein being related, as well as to the many varied, supposed, therapeutic usages being promoted in the commercial market. An aromatherapy pillow for an effusion of aromatic air (aromatherapy) for enhancing personal mood of a user of such pillow is herein presented.

This novel idea is a radical change from the traditional concept of the pillow in that the novel idea features a unique operation and active process for diffusing a user-selected, aromatic scent for the user from the interior of the pillow herein-presented whereby he, or she, can simultaneously benefit from both the usual physical headrest-comfort of a pillow as well as a specifically-selected, mechanically-controlled diffusion of an aromatic scent.

Preliminary prior art search has not uncovered any pillow that can provide the characteristics and benefits as does the novel art herein being presented. However, the only products uncovered that could be said to relate to the above effusion pillow are a bottled liquid scent, “Liquid Pillow,” that may be sprinkled or sprayed onto a pillow and another whose interior is made of scented materials and whose scents a user of such pillow may breathe in but that, necessarily, become more ineffective with time since they are not designed in such way to inhibit volatility. No other “pillow” product duplicates, or is similar to, the novel Aromatic Air Effusion Pillow in its mechanical capability to cause compressed air to controllably effuse through an aromatically suffused porous pad to the interior of the pillow itself then to the diffusion points for transpiration to a user. Furthermore, it has the facility and benefit of a “direct” application of the above-stated aromatic scents and/or therapeutic vapors as with the Nasal Pin accoutrement component of this novel system.

SUMMARY

An improved pillow is presented which provides, in addition to a conventional means of a headrest during periods of relaxation and sleep, a means for conveying to a user aromatic air that has been initiated from its interior. Such aromatic air production is caused by, and sustained by, a mechanical device and conduit system that is designed to intake exterior air; compress it and effuse it through an essential oils, (or other relevant agent) porous pad; channel it throughout the pillow (diffusion); then cause it to transpire to a user of the pillow product for his/her desired effect. The effusion/diffusion device components, as a novel adaptation to a pillow for the effect of aromatic transpiration, (and direct inhalation—Nasal Clip component) to a user, are revolutionary to the consumer market for pillows.

Advantages of this novel product are the pleasure factors of the wide variety of pleasurable aromatic scents and essential oils and the evocative experiences which may serve as therapeutic aides for the user. According to aromatherapy theory, one's mood and overall outlook on life may be tremendously transformed. This novel pillow apparatus is easy to use. To operate it, simply wind the timer mechanism clockwise for the desired number of hours of operational time; it will compress the infused air as it quietly unwinds.

A fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description below, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A Right Side View in horizontal aspect of the novel pillow.

FIG. 1B The Exterior Façade and Control Panel as seen in FIG. 1A further showing Windup/Setting Control Knob and interior controlling mechanisms for controlled effusion and diffusion processes.

FIG. 2A Cross Sectional, cut-away, left side View of Winding/Setting Device for the pillow.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the winding facility as identified in 2A.

FIG. 3A is a Front Side upright view of interior structures of novel pillow with several sub-functional devices depicted below it.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view depicting aconventional pillow showing how the novel apparatus would appear.

FIG. 4 These are side views of both the Compression Chamber Facility 10A and the Transference Tube 9 for conduction of the effusion of the aromatic air to the other parts of the pillow.

FIG. 5 depicts the distal end of the nasal insertion device's method of ingress of both environmental air and ingress of aromatic pressurized air from the pillow 21, 25, 26, and 27.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the available conduction tube accoutrement for conveying aromatic air to a user's nostrils.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 1A, it will be seen that this exterior, rigid plastic-like material component at side of the pillow FIG. 3B features a knob turning mechanism that can be wound for initiation of an effusion process using the Windup/Setting Control knob 1A. The Nostril Attachment/Effusion Management Gauge 2 controls the volume of air entering conduction tube 23 of FIG. 6, and it is a Snap-on/Snap-off attachment for Aromatic Air Effusion Nasal Clip

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the Exterior Façade and Control Panel as seen in FIG. 1A further showing Windup/Setting actuator Control Knob 7 and interior controlling mechanisms for controlled effusion and diffusion processes. Attachment/Effusion Management Gauge 2 is not shown in this illustration. This illustration further shows a Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3A for effectuating the Timing Calibration for compressing the air and controlling its release as it works in conjunction with Windup and Setting Actuator Control Knob 7. Windup Timer and Pressure Setting Actuator 5A contains the calibration and means for a tension mechanism to compress a spring-like mechanism for the purpose of compressing the air and controlling its release. Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad 8 transfuses aromatic scents from a Compression Chamber Facility 10A. An Effused Air Transference Receptacle 9A delivers pressurized aromatic scents to the Diffusion Conduit Ports 15 and 18 of FIG. 3A. An Air Effusion Nasal Conduction Tube and Pillow Switching Button 4 Switches between effusion conduction to pillow and conduction to ANC tube. Paired Compression Devices 6 is utilized at both ends of Compression Chamber Facility 10A for the purpose of causing emission of compressed air to effuse through a Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad Containment Unit 11 of FIG. 2A to the Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad 8 which itself is suffused with an aromatic oil substance for consequent effusion throughout the novel pillow. Such Porous Effusion Pad Containment Unit allows ingress of aromatic air to flow into one direction.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a winding and partial Setting Device for the pillow is seen, showing an Aromatic Nasal Conduction Button 4 which, when executed, switches the conduction of the aromatic air to either the pillow or to the nasal conduction tube 23 of FIG. 6. The Windup Timer and Pressure Setting Actuator 5A consists of the necessary structures for initiating air pressure. It works in conjunction with Compression Chamber Facility 10A of FIG. 1B for the process of effusing and diffusing aromatic air throughout the pillow. The process is initiated by the mechanical winding of the Windup Setting Control Knob 7 which may be turned clockwise to provide tension to the Compression Chamber Facility 10A facility. It can be optionally set for up to Two hours using the Windup Setting Control Knob 7. As it works conjointly with Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3A and Interior of Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3B of FIG. 3A, 5A is the essential component for effusion of aromatic air through the Replaceable Insertion Pad 8 for subsequent diffusion of the aromatic scents throughout the pillow interior.

Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad 8 is used for containing and effusing aromatic air as gotten from added extracts of Essential Oils. An Insertion Pad Containment Unit 11 is the facility for holding the Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad while the compressed air enters the compartment area to permeate such Pad to be effused and diffused throughout the novel pillow. Such effused air would thus become scented by the added plant extract oil as gotten from commercial essential oils or other types of scented fluids then channeled through an Emission Tributary Funnel 14, Emission Tributary Head 12, and Emission Tributary Aperture 13. The Emission Tributary Head 12 delivers effused aromatic air into Transference Receptacle 9A of FIG. 1B through the Emission Tributary Aperture 13.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show two aspects of the controlling components for infusion and diffusion of aromatic air. These depictions of the pillow illustrate at least a plastic material which is durable sufficiently enough to safely encase the inner machinery of the compression and effusion devices. This shielding element overlaps only to the extent that it harbors, and provides rigid protection for the moving parts and connections of the interior compression and effusion devices. However, the rigid portion of such shielding element is designed in such manner that it would not interfere with the comfort of its user. It encompasses the essential oils porous pad, a windup/timer pressure actuator, a windup setting Control Knob. The pillow-width, depiction reveals a ratcheting mechanism which would be used for facilitating tension in order to accomplish pressurization. Also on this page is the indication that the ANC Button is at the center of the Windup/Timer and Control Knobs. This button would be pushed for activation of the alternative ANC or pillow options of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3A. This illustration shows CAD drawings of novel pillow showing interior mechanisms and relevant devices for the objective processes for effusion and diffusion of aromatic air throughout the novel pillow. They clearly teach how a Diffusion Conduction Port 15 carries aromatic scents evenly throughout interior of pillow. It receives diffused aromatic air that is channeled through Air Transference Tube Facility 9B and further into an Emission Tributary Head 12 which delivers effused aromatic air into Primary Conduction Port 15 which conducts it to a Secondary Conduction Port 18, itself conveying the aromatic air to Diffusion Distribution Outlet 16 for measured release of aromatic air into the environment of pillow. Arrow at 17 simply shows path of diffused aromatic air current. To facilitate compression of air in the Compression Tube 10B, a Compression Receptacle Funnel 19 is for delivering the compressed air to the Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad 8. A more detailed depiction of the Compression Tube is seen in 10A. Air being effused from within Air Transference Facility depicted here in 9B is used for delivering aromatic scents to the Diffusion conduction Ports 15 and 18 which carry aromatic scents evenly throughout interior of pillow.

This Air Transference Facility 9B is more clearly depicted in 9A in depiction below herein. Interior of Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3B, minimally shown here in part, works with Windup Timer and Pressure Setting Actuator 5A to provide sustained tension pressure force for causing aromatic air to flow through to Transference and Diffusion Conduits and Diffusion Distribution Outlet 15, 18, and 16 for the objective effusion of this aromatic air to flow through the interior structures of illustrative pillow as shown here in FIG. 3A and through the fabric of conventional pillow as shown in FIG. 3B to the terminal environment of a user of this novel pillow apparatus. The Calibrated Ratchet mechanism interior aspect 3B can be more clearly shown by 3A in depiction below.

On this page . . . The Flow Containment Unit 11 serves as a barrier mechanism against escaping air. Once a porous pad has been inserted into it and the unit is snapped back into place, the air, once pressurized, effuses through the unit and the porous pad in a singular direction to the transference facility 9A. The essential oils porous pad 8 is a component of the apparatus that temporarily contains the aromatic scents.

Upper illustration is the interior of the Aromatic Air Effusion Pillow. It shows, at the right end of the diagram, the compression and effusion elements as component devices for compression air through a porous spongy essential oils porous pad to which has been supplied a measured amount of a consumer's desired aromatic scent. Spanning across the interior of the pillow is the Diffusion Conduction Ports 15 and 18. Such ports carry the aromatic air from the effusion section of the pillow to the Diffusion Distribution Outlets. The components for the compression and effusion mechanisms are further indicated below by illustration, referenced letters, numbers, and relevant graphic details. The ANC conduit FIG. 6 p. 4, is for the alternative transference of aromatic air direct to the user's nostrils as opposed to transpiration through the pillow as initiated at control button located at center of control knob 4. It is also detachable at the connection point 2.

Turning now to FIG. 4 it can be seen that the Air Pressurization Control apparatus 1B is the same device in cross-sectional view as that of illustration in FIG. 2A. The illustration FIG. 4 shows repeated depictions of the compression and aromatic air transference process structure. The Compression Chamber Facility 10A outline is more plainly seen here showing how the Compression Funnel Facilities 6 and 19 operate to generate compressed air and how such air would flow through 9 the Air Transference Facility. Current of aromatic air 17 here and in FIG. 3A indicates the direction of flow through Diffusion conduction Ports 15 and 18 which carry aromatic scents evenly throughout interior of the novel pillow after being distributed by Compressed Air Introduction Aperture 13.

FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative aspect view of FIG. 2A. As such, it incorporates the interior mechanisms as shown herein with 8, 11, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 7. At the top of this module is the Aromatic Nasal Conduction Button 4 which is a selector switch for a user to alternate between conduction of aromatic air for direct conduction to the nostrils of a user or for conduction to go through the pillow. The Windup Knob 7 entails the initiation of the process of having the aromatic air to flow. Upon being wound to a desired setting, the unwinding process also causes a compression mechanism to pressurize the air causing it to flow through the pillow apparatus and to the environment of a user. Several Clockwise turns may be used to set air release component. A desired time-released setting can be made suitable to a user. The setting of time and duration of the flow throughout the pillow is accomplished by the coordination of the winding of this knob 7 likely in the clockwise direction indicated 20 along with the catch mechanism indicated by elements 5B, 5C, and 5D along with previously-mentioned Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3A and 3B of FIG. 3A. 5D represents a spring-like means for obtaining tension in the process of both winding and unwinding in coordination with both the windup mechanism 7 and the Calibrated Ratchet Mechanism Device 3A and 3B of FIG. 3A. 5B and 5C are catch and movement-control mechanisms. The winding mechanisms coordinated through the operation among these items mentioned entail the impetus necessary for the active flow dynamics of the aromatic air throughout the pillow as described. The scent carried by the air is accomplished by the pressurization of the air through the Insertion Pad Containment Unit 11 which holds the Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad 8. This pad holds the user-applied scented oil or other aromatic substance. Its material composition may be of a gauze-like substance which would allow permeation of ingressed air. The channeling of the flow of scents through the pillow entails the coordination among the conduction facilities as noted herein 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 16, 17, and 18 of FIG. 3A.

On this page, the illustration at left is a clearer view of the compression and effusion units into which are seen in the control mechanisms. The Essential Oils Insertion Pad (Porous Replaceable Effusion Pad) 8 constitutes the main element of the apparatus. It is replaceable and interchangeable subject to a user's options for the aromatherapy “experience” he or she would like. Such interchangeable pads would be as plentiful as there are numbers of scents available. As far as aromatherapy theory goes, emotions, moods, even snoring can be changed. This novel product aims to fill this need.

FIG. 3B is a CAD perspective view rendering of a conventional pillow showing the novel control panel accoutrement. The Exterior Façade and Control Panel as seen and fore-stated in FIG. 1A further shows a Windup/Setting Control Knob and interior controlling mechanisms for controlled effusion and diffusion processes.

FIG. 5 illustrates how the effused aromatic air from the pillow would enter the Nostril Insertion Applicators 26. First entering at 25 as an internal flow, its course would take it along the path to mix with external air 26 so as to insure that mixture is not too concentrated thus exiting at 27 as a balanced mixture of both internal aromatic air and external air from the surrounding environment. The point indicated at 21 represent apertures for terminal release of internal aromatic air from pillow.

FIG. 6 is an optional ANC Conduction Tube for conveying aromatic effused air from pillow to the nostrils of a user. An Attachment device 22 is for connecting Conduction Tube 23 to the novel pillow by using its receptor 2 of FIG. 3B. A set of Nostril Insertion Applicators 24 provide optional direct flow of aromatic air to a user when he or she may be travelling by plane, bus, etc. and does not want to have the aromatic air to affect a nearby traveler. In such case, the user would be using a smaller, travel, pillow design. The user would attach the optional but available device 23 to its receptor 2 of FIG. 3B, engage the alternator button 4 of FIG. 2B for pillow application then, if needed, adjust modulator. It is the Effusion Management Gauge controls the volume of air entering conduction tube also located at 2 of FIG. 3B.

This page provides a larger view of the Aromatherapy Nasal Clip apparatus that conducts effused aromatic air directly to a user's nostrils. The device clips lightly onto the nasal septum. The insertion units are adjustable allow an ample balance of effused air through the tube and the environmental air. The effused air is semi-passive thus allowing for a balanced blend of air between it and environmental air. also shown is a perspective view of the novel pillow showing the essential control component.

Operation

The product introduced herein is a utility which employs a means for the effusing, diffusing, and transpiring of aromatic air through a conventional pillow itself to a user for his or her satisfaction. This product, Aromatic Air Effusion Pillow, is operated by a user's simply turning the time-set device at the side of the pillow several turns in clockwise direction to the desired expiration time: 1-3 hours, then resting his/her head on the pillow as he or she retires for bed or for any desired period of relaxation. The transpiration of the aromatic fragrance will originate at the point of compression, No. 7 on page 1, manual windup, and 3A and 3B on page 2) of air and the effusion of the user's selected choice of scents that he/she would apply to the essential oils porous pad, (Gauze-like Insertion Pad (Replaceable Porous Effusion Pad) Pg. 2 No. 8 or that, otherwise, would be a pre-selected essential oils porous pad intact from a manufacturer; such porous pad allows air currents to permeate (effuse) through it to the diffusion component for dispersion throughout the pillow then ultimately to the transpiration process from the pillow itself to the user. However, another component of the aromatic air conduction system is that of the ANC, (Aromatherapy Nasal Clip) alternative conduction method from the effusion pad which discretely conducts the aromatic air for nasal inhalation of the user.

CONCLUSION Ramifications and Scope of Invention

It can be seen from the foregoing that the novel invention presents a non-traditional manner of obtaining aromatherapy treatment while using a conventional pillow. The product, no doubt, brings a tremendous commercial opportunity for those involved in the aromatherapy market; as well, the marketing prospects for the typical pillow may be enhanced to a great degree. The health concerns and expectations of people involved in aromatherapy theory and researh will find the product a novelty that would add to the interest in the field for both the well being of those who use the products, and commercial benefit for those involved in the marketing of such products. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow, comprising: (a) an effusion means for compressed air to permeate a replaceable porous pad which is composed of at least a gauze material, said replaceable porous pad effuses any of a multiplicity of aromatic scents derived from at least natural plant extract essential oils, said essential oils are added to the replaceable porous pad in variable amounts by a user of the aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow and by a manufacturer of the replaceable porous pad; (b) a diffusion means for said compressed air to permeate said aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow; (c) a transpiration means for said aromatic scents to be conveyed from the aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow to said user of the aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow; and (d) an independent conduction means of said compressed air for nasal inhalation of the user of the aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow.
 2. The aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow of claim 1, wherein said apparatus for a pillow has a multiplicity of styles and designs, in addition to any predetermined shape and size dimensions.
 3. The aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow of claim 1, wherein said aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow is composed of a multiplicity of predetermined fabrics and textiles.
 4. The aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow of claim 1, wherein said replaceable porous pad has any of variable geometric dimensions, said replaceable porous pad being a medium means for said user and for said manufacturer of said replaceable porous pad to add variable amounts of said essential oils to said replaceable porous pad, whereby inspiration of said aromatic scents would emotionally enhance the desired personal well-being of the user of the pillow apparatus instilling in said user a desired scent-specific elated mood, state of mind, or desired condition of metabolism as are health-enhancing objectives presumed by believers in the efficacy of the art and practice of aromatherapy and essential oils health benefits theory. 